Half-Day Trek from Chinchero to Urquillos – Sacred Valley Inca Trail Experience

• TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
• Comfortable Layered Clothing: Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for hiking along paved Inca road. The weather is temperate Andean with intense sun during the day but cool in the early morning. Warm jacket or windbreaker for the early departure (06:30-07:00 am), light clothing for the day, comfortable trekking pants and garments that you can adjust in layers according to temperature.
• Footwear: MANDATORY trekking shoes or sports shoes with good grip. The tour includes a 3-4 hour descent hike (8 kilometers) along original paved Inca paths and uneven terrain with stones. Closed, resistant, comfortable footwear with anti-slip sole that you have previously worn to avoid blisters.
• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen (ESSENTIAL), sunglasses with UV protection and wide-brimmed hat or cap. Solar radiation is extremely intense in the Andes at 3,780 m.a.s.l. Apply sunscreen generously before leaving and reapply every 2 hours during the hike. Skin burns quickly at altitude.
• Cash: Bring soles for optional entrance to Chinchero archaeological site (S/. 70 Tourist Ticket or S/. 40 partial entrance if you wish to visit it before the hike), additional snacks, local handicrafts, voluntary tips for the guide (recommended S/. 30-50 according to satisfaction) and personal expenses. Lunch is included.
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle of 1.5-2 liters (MANDATORY). Staying well hydrated is essential during the descent hike. Although it is half a day, the altitude and sun require constant hydration. Limited sales points on the route. Drink water frequently before, during and after the hike.
• Small Backpack or Daypack: To carry camera, documents, water, energy snacks, sunscreen, extra jacket, cash and personal items. Light backpack of 20-25 liters is sufficient for half a day. Carry only essentials to walk comfortably.
• Camera or Phone: ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to photograph the monumental terraces of Chinchero with spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, the original paved Inca road of Qhapaq Ñan, the sacred lagoon of Huayllarcocha, Andean birds, snow-capped mountains Pitusiray and Sawasiray, authentic peasant communities, traditional cultivation fields, 500-year-old Inca irrigation systems, ancestral stone bridges, impressive Andean landscapes and unique moments with local residents. Bring extra fully charged battery or power bank. This is an exceptional photographic route.
• Documents: Original ID or Passport for registration and possible entrance to Chinchero archaeological site if you decide to visit it.
• Light Prior Breakfast: Have a LIGHT breakfast at your hotel before early departure (06:30-07:00 am). Avoid heavy food that may cause discomfort during the hike. Lunch is served in Urquillos around 13:00-14:00 PM.
• Deep Cultural Respect: You will walk along ancestral paths of Qhapaq Ñan that have remained practically unchanged for centuries and visit authentic peasant communities with living traditions. Be extremely respectful of historical sites, people, their customs and private properties. Always ask permission before photographing local residents. Follow the guide's instructions, do not leave the marked path, do not touch or take elements from Inca ruins, and do not leave trash anywhere (carry a bag to collect your waste).
• Learning and Connection Attitude: This is an authentic historical, archaeological and cultural tour along an Inca route away from mass tourism. Prepare your willingness to listen carefully to the fascinating explanations of the expert guide about Inca mythology (Chinchero as birthplace of the rainbow), Qhapaq Ñan (most sophisticated road network in pre-Columbian America), agricultural terraces and their hydraulic engineering, ancestral irrigation systems, traditional Andean agriculture, Inca construction techniques, daily life of peasant communities and the importance of preserving this heritage. This is a masterclass in Andean history and architecture.
• Moderate and Conscious Pace: The hike is mainly gradual descent with moderate pace and strategic pauses to rest, hydrate, take photographs and appreciate the landscape. Walk at your own pace without rushing. Notify the guide immediately if you need to rest, feel dizzy, headache or any discomfort. Acclimatization is very important at this altitude.
• Energy Snacks: Bring dried fruits (almonds, walnuts, peanuts), energy or cereal bars, chocolates, coca candies or fruits to replenish energy during the hike. They will help you maintain energy levels. The guide will also provide a light refreshment during the viewpoint stop.
• Personal Medication: If you have any medical condition (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, allergies, etc.) or take medications, bring them with you mandatory. If you are sensitive to altitude, bring preventive medication such as acetazolamide or soroche pills. The maximum altitude is 3,780 m.a.s.l., slightly higher than Cusco, but being descent it is more tolerable. Inform the guide of any relevant medical condition.
• Trekking Poles: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for descent along paved paths. They significantly help maintain balance, stability and reduce impact on knees and joints during the 8-kilometer descent. Check with your operator if you can rent them or bring yours if you have them.
• Basic Physical Condition: Although no previous trekking experience or being an athlete is required, make sure you have basic physical condition to walk downhill for 3-4 hours. The hike is moderate difficulty, accessible for most people, but requires normal mobility. If you have knee, hip or ankle problems, consider using poles or consult your doctor beforehand.
• Authentic Qhapaq Ñan Experience: This tour allows you to walk along an authentic Inca road of Qhapaq Ñan on a route away from crowded circuits. Perfect for the conscious traveler seeking to connect physically and emotionally with history, literally stepping on the same stones that chasquis (Inca messengers) traveled 500 years ago. You will enjoy archaeological, natural and cultural richness, with the tranquility of an authentic experience, expert local guides and the satisfaction of practicing responsible tourism that directly supports rural communities and helps preserve this heritage for future generations. This is the best medically proven acclimatization strategy before higher altitude treks.

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No previous trekking experience is required, but a basic physical condition is needed to walk along stone paths for approximately 3-4 hours in gradual descent. The difficulty level is moderate. The hike is along an authentic paved Inca road with strategic stops to rest, hydrate, appreciate the landscape and take photographs.
• What does this tour include? Includes hotel pick-up in Cusco (06:30-07:00 am), private and comfortable round-trip tourist transportation, bilingual professional guide specialized in Inca history and archaeology (Spanish/English), box lunch or lunch at local restaurant in Urquillos according to chosen option, tour of monumental terraces of Chinchero, hike along original Inca road of Qhapaq Ñan (8 kilometers), visit to sacred lagoon of Huayllarcocha, stop at viewpoint with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and Pitusiray and Sawasiray mountains, passage through authentic peasant communities, detailed explanation of Inca hydraulic engineering, ancestral irrigation systems, Inca storage deposits (qolqas), light refreshment during the route (fruits, chocolate, dried fruits) and permanent assistance throughout the tour.
• What services are NOT included? Not included: breakfast (it is recommended to have a light breakfast at your hotel before leaving early), dinner (return to Cusco between 14:30-15:30 PM), additional beverages during the hike, optional entrance to Chinchero archaeological site (if you wish to visit it before starting), voluntary tips for the guide, personal expenses or extra snacks. Lunch is included.
• How long does the tour last and what time does it depart? The tour lasts half a day (approximately 6 hours total). We start with hotel pick-up between 06:30-07:00 am in Cusco. We transfer to Chinchero (45 minutes), start the hike along the original Inca road covering 8 kilometers of gradual descent through terraces, sacred lagoon, local communities and spectacular Andean landscapes, have lunch in Urquillos and return to Cusco between 14:30-15:30 PM. You will arrive with free time to rest in the afternoon.
• How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? At least 1-2 days of prior acclimatization in Cusco is recommended. The maximum altitude is 3,780 m.a.s.l. (Chinchero - starting point), slightly higher than downtown Cusco (3,399 m.a.s.l.), but the hike is in gradual descent to 2,950 m.a.s.l. (Urquillos). Ideal for the second or third day of your stay. This trek is medically proven as the best acclimatization strategy through moderate exercise at gradual altitudes, perfect before undertaking the Inca Trail, Salkantay or visiting Machu Picchu.
• What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit: Village of Chinchero (considered birthplace of the rainbow according to Inca mythology) with its monumental agricultural terraces that demonstrate Inca hydraulic engineering and spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, original paved Inca road of Qhapaq Ñan (the most sophisticated road network in pre-Columbian America that connected the entire empire from Colombia to Chile), sacred lagoon of Huayllarcocha with observation of Andean birds (wild ducks, huallatas, possibly condors), natural viewpoint with views of Pitusiray and Sawasiray mountains, authentic peasant communities where you will observe daily life of Andean residents, cultivation fields of giant Cusco corn, native potatoes, beans and quinoa, ancestral stone bridge over crystal clear mountain river, archaeological remains with ancient Inca storage deposits (qolqas), irrigation systems functioning after more than 500 years, and Urquillos valley (peaceful valley at 2,950 m.a.s.l. away from mass tourism that preserves its authenticity). An authentic experience for the conscious traveler seeking to connect physically and emotionally with history, literally stepping on the same stones that chasquis (Inca messengers) traveled 500 years ago, practicing responsible tourism and supporting the economy of rural communities.

• IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
• Service type: Private.
• Total duration: Approximately 6 hours (half day).
• Departure: 06:30 - 07:00 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Maximum altitude: 3,780 m.a.s.l. (Chinchero - starting point).
• Final altitude: 2,950 m.a.s.l. (Urquillos - end point).
• Difficulty level: Moderate (gradual descent of 8 kilometers).
• Documentation: Carry original ID or Passport for registration.
• Acclimatization: Ideal for the second or third day of arrival in Cusco. The maximum altitude is 3,780 m.a.s.l., slightly higher than downtown Cusco. Excellent for acclimatization before doing more demanding treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
• Guide language: Professional bilingual in Spanish / English.
• Experience type: Historical, cultural and nature experience. Authentic hike along original Inca road from Chinchero to Urquillos, traveling ancestral paved paths of the Qhapaq Ñan, monumental agricultural terraces and authentic Andean communities away from mass tourism.
• Breakfast: NOT included. It is recommended to have a light breakfast before departure from your hotel.
• Lunch: INCLUDED. Box lunch or lunch at local restaurant in Urquillos according to chosen option.
• Restrictions: No special restrictions. Accessible for people with basic physical condition. Ability to do a moderate descent hike along stone paths for 3-4 hours required.
• Weather: Temperate Andean with intense sun. Can be cool in the early morning. Bring sun protection and adjustable layered clothing.
• Clothing: Comfortable trekking clothing, trekking shoes or sneakers with good grip (mandatory for stone paths), light jacket or windbreaker for the morning, SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
• Accommodation: Does NOT include accommodation. Half-day tour with return to Cusco between 14:30 - 15:30 PM.
• Dinner: NOT included. Early return to Cusco with free time to rest and have dinner.
• Experience: Responsible, historical and cultural tourism. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic routes away from crowded circuits, lovers of Inca history, Andean landscape photography, interaction with local communities and effective acclimatization before higher altitude treks.
• End: Return to downtown Cusco approximately between 14:30 - 15:30 PM.
• Main attractions: Village of Chinchero (considered birthplace of the rainbow according to Inca mythology), monumental agricultural terraces with Inca hydraulic engineering, original paved Inca road of Qhapaq Ñan, sacred lagoon of Huayllarcocha, panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, Pitusiray and Sawasiray mountains, authentic peasant communities, fields of giant Cusco corn and native potatoes, Inca irrigation systems functioning after 500 years, ancient Inca storage deposits (qolqas), ancestral stone bridges, Urquillos valley (authentic and away from mass tourism).
• Cultural interaction: Direct experience with Andean peasant communities that maintain traditional agricultural techniques, hike along Qhapaq Ñan paths stepping on the same stones that chasquis (Inca messengers) traveled 500 years ago, physical and emotional connection with the historical legacy of the Inca Empire, observation of daily life of local residents, support for sustainable tourism and rural community economy, preservation of heritage for future generations.

Enjoy Andean landscapes and living traditions on the Chinchero-Urquillos route.

Consult the map and discover the route, access points and points of interest for your half-day walk between Chinchero and Urquillos, surrounded by nature and ancestral culture.